engine rebuild

davidq · 01-07-2002, 08:03 AM

I recently acquired a 914 1.7 1973 that had previously been converted to dual dell carbs. There is the typical rust with this age car particularly below the batter tray. Fortunately the rocker panels appear to be solid. The car sat for 10-11 years and got water in the 2 and 4 side of then engine. I finally got around to dropping the engine and found the valves for 2 and 4 very rusted with some surface rust in the cylinders and pistons.

I am not willing to do a complete engine rebuild at this time ($1000+). If that is the only way to get the engine running, then I may part-out or junk. However, if I could replace the head, cylinders and pistons for 2 and 4 it might be worth it. Can I do half the engine or do I have to do both sides? 1 and 3 have good compression and appear to be in good shape.

Suggestions, education and recommendations appreciated.

David

jmcleod · 01-07-2002, 08:14 AM

if that's the only way to save the 'teener, i'd say try it. is that the recommended way to do it? i bet most people would say no, but since it's your car and with your budget, if i was in your place, i'd try it. why not?

Joe Ricard · Joe Ricard's Garage

Well I suppose you could "effectively patch" the motor. What exactly is rusted on the 2 / 4 side. You could just clean up the piston and cylinder. Diassemble the head sand blast and wash all the componets. You will be able to see cracks in the head that way. Find a guy who is knowledgeable about welding aluminum and will do it for a case of beer. Probably could find a used head for cheap match the cumbustion chamber CC. If it don't matter to you it will run. Lap the valves reassemble the bugger and fire it up. If it runs you win. if it runs good and strong you are better than you thought. Just don't put it up for sale on this MB.

tracer · tracer's Garage

I had the same problem. I removed the heads sent them to Painter's Grinding in Denver look them up on the net and call them, full valve job with new valves and guides for $185, bought new rings from them also, I think was $35 put back together and have been driving it for 6 months so far and runs just fine. BTW my engine was a '74 1.8

davidq · 01-08-2002, 04:33 AM

Brian,
Many thanks for the suggestions. I assume that you had both heads done and rings for all 4 pistons. I will look up Painter's and try to contact them. If any of the other folks know of anyone in Florida it would be very helpful. Thanks again

David

tracer · tracer's Garage

David,

There was light coating of rust inside the engine on the exposed parts of the rods but would rub right off. Jake Raby and others suggested if not going to do a lower end rebuild to dump bottle of Mystery Oil in the engine oil and run for 500 miles then change oil and see what goes. My budget was and still is very limited for any upgrades. Hopefully the ol' Lady will cut some change loose some time soon...Keep me posted, If you need more info don't hesitate to email directly.